Russell Brand to curate evening about mental health and addiction with Lena Dunham and Matthew Perry
Russell Brand is to curate an evening of one-off solo performances in response to the changing attitudes around addiction, and mental health.
Held at the Old Vic on 29th September, Cracked will feature writing from a number of artists and actors, performed by a yet-to-be-announced cast which will include Brand.
The writers for the evening, alongside Brand, include Lena Dunham, Matthew Perry, Kate Tempest, Mr Gee, Scarlett Curtis and Gabor Maté.
Brand has been outspoken about his previous addictions and has written the books Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions, as have a number of the writers he has selected for the evening. Last year, Dunham opened up about her use of pills, while Perry is a spokesperson for National Association of Drug Court Professionals following previous experiences of addiction.
Announcing the show, Brand said: "For this night, mental illness and addiction will adorn The Old Vic stage, celebrated, explored and attacked through Cracked. I am honoured to have been asked to take over the asylum, albeit for one night only."
The piece will be directed by Annabel Bolton, with design consultant Polly Sullivan, lighting by Jamie Platt and sound design by Andy Graham.
Cracked is at the Old Vic on 29th September.
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